You might be surprised to learn that the luscious, silky coat of a Bernese Mountain Dog has a secret. Despite its smooth allure, it’s a veritable snowstorm of fur. Yes, you heard right, our beautiful Bernese friends are amongst the highest shedding dog breeds out there! Now that we’ve got this out in the open, let’s delve deeper into the fantastic, yet fur-filled world of Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Bernese Mountain Dogs or “Berners” hail from the Swiss Alps. With their long, thick, double-layered coats, they were perfect for the chilly Swiss climate, helping to keep them warm whilst working on farms. Now, these gentle and smart dogs are found worldwide, not only as working dogs but as beloved family pets. However, their adaptable attitude and history still come with a furry caveat – these adorable dogs shed…a lot!
The shedding in Bernese Mountain Dogs is primarily due to their double coat. They possess a top layer, known as the guard layer, that helps protect their skin from harsh environmental conditions – from the sizzling summer sun to the crisp winter snow. Beneath this, they have a softer, fluffier undercoat that functions as a thermal layer to keep them warm during the cold months.
Okay, now to the barking question, how much do they shed? The simple answer is all year round, but the intensity increases during specific periods! The Berner’s shedding is categorized into general shedding and “blowing coat”. General shedding is a year-long commitment, with some hairs floating around your house daily. However, the term that makes every Berner owner gulp – “blowing coat” – means a significant shed fest, typically happening twice a year, usually during the transitions from winter to spring, and then again from summer to fall.
During these phases, the Bernese Mountain Dog sheds its undercoat – and it’s basically like a continual snowstorm of fluff for about three weeks. Get ready to find fur on your furniture, your clothes, on the kitchen counter, in your coffee – basically anywhere beyond your wildest imagination!
So, how can you manage the furpocalypse? Shedding is healthy and a sign of a comfortable Berner. However, we know that having excessive fur around the house can be a bit of a downer. So, here are some pointers to keep that shedding under control.
Investing time into brushing your Bernese Mountain Dog is the first line of defense against a furry home. Brushing your dog not only helps spread natural oils across their coat, thus maintaining a shiny, healthy appearance, but it also keeps the shedding in check by removing loose hair. During non-shedding time, you might want to brush your Berner at least once a week. During their heavy-shedding time, daily brushing sessions are recommended. Using a tool like a deshedding rake or undercoat rake can go a long way.
Aside from brushing, a good bath is a shed fighters’ secret weapon. Baths can help loosen the dead hair and stimulate new hair growth. An excellent rule of thumb for Berner owners is to bathe their dog every 3-4 months. However, ensure you are using a dog-friendly shampoo that won’t harm their skin or disturb their natural oils.
Supplementing your Bernese’s diet with fatty acids like Omega 3 and Omega 6 may also help manage shedding. These nutrients help promote healthier skin and coat. Some natural sources for these include fish oil and flaxseed oil.
A vacuum cleaner is going to be your new best friend! Regularly vacuuming your home can help manage the excess fur lying around. Look for vacuum cleaners designed to handle pet hair. They have stronger suctions and specialized brushes to pick up those stubborn hair strands from your carpet or furniture.
And lastly, don’t forget to hydrate. Making sure your Berner has plenty of water helps build healthier skin, less prone to excessive shedding.
So, that’s the low down on our beloved Bernese Mountain Dog’s shedding antics. They may keep you busy sweeping, vacuuming, and washing, but let’s be honest – those affectionate brown eyes, the unconditional love, and their joyful personality are worth every bit of the fluff-filled drama.
Remember, the shedding is a sign of a healthy Berner, and with some dedicated grooming, a well-structured diet, and lots of TLC, you can manage your fluffy friend’s shedding fur. It’s a small price to pay for the companionship, friendship, and laughter a Bernese Mountain Dog brings into your life. With time, you might not even notice the shedding anymore, rather it’s the larger-than-life personality of these beautiful dogs that will take center stage!
